By Kaspar Nielsen, presented at the 19th TCI Global Conference, Eindhoven, 2016.

1. Titel presentatie
[Naam, organisatienaam]
Working Day - Track: Managing Learning Networks
Understanding Internationalisation
Kaspar Nielsen, Internationalisation Manager,
Cluster Excellence Denmark
Understanding Strategic
Cluster internationalisation

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UNDERSTANDING
STRATEGIC CLUSTER
INTERNATIONALISATION
by
Kaspar Nielsen,
Internationalisation Manager,
Cluster Excellence Denmark

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WHO ARE WE: CLUSTER EXCELLENCE DENMARK
 45+ clusters and innovative networks
 Cluster Excellence Denmark is the
national support function for clusters
and innovative networks in Denmark.
 Our 3 main services are:
 Professionalisation of Danish
clusters
 Competence Development
 Internationationalisation of

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The objectives:
TG Clusters – your gateway to clusters and EEN cluster services
Exchange of best practtise
Exchange of relevant information on cluster issues
Collaboration on Cluster Missions and C2C matchmaking events
Help in finding the right international cluster
Help in finding relevant calls focusing on clusters.
Decentralised training for EEN staff
Workshop, seminar for TG Cluster members and clusters
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Feedback to the EASME on various issues
Collaboration with SG Sector Groups, DG Growth, ECCP etc.
SPEAKING OF INTERNATIONALISATION: ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK THEMATIC
GROUP FOR CLUSTERS

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THE STORY OF CLUSTER INTERNATONALISATION
 Starts out by coincidence!
 Takes more resources than expected
 But we want more.
 How can we make cluster
internationalisation smarter?
 It is about being strategic, systematic,
& analytic – more than gut feeling!

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METHOD: BEHIND THE SCENES
 Survey of 25 Danish clusters.
 In-depth interviews with 10 cluster managers
 2 x Cluster Labs
 European Cluster Days – Chapter in a new book
 Workshop in Riga – 60 participants
 6 years of supporting internationalisation of clusters
 4 years on organising Cluster Matchmaking Conferences

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WHAT AN INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY INCLUDES
 A written strategy. This should preferably be short and precise, rather than too long and
unclear. Eight to ten pages is usually sufficient.
 Mission and vision for the international work: What does the cluster want to promote or offer
to the surrounding world?
 Clarification of the target group: Who needs to be internationalised? The companies (big ones
or SMEs?) Research institutions? Should the effort be aimed at members who are already
international, or at those who are not yet in the international market?
 Boundaries for instance regarding geography, markets, countries, sectors. But also in terms of
prioritisations of activities, focus areas and collaborations.
 Action Plan: This is about the road from strategy to actual actions and activities.
 Key Performance Indicators: These decisive success criteria are applied to measure progress in
respect of strategy. Remember that these should be realistic and measurable

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THE 5 PHASES OF STRATEGIC CLUSTER INTERNATIONALISATION

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Kaspar Nelsen
kan@clusterexcellencedenmark.dk
Twitter: @KasparKan
www.clusterexcellencedenmark.dk